Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts are a simple yet mouthwatering dish that transforms these humble vegetables into crispy, flavorful bites. This recipe is perfect for those looking to add a delicious and healthy side dish to their meals without spending hours in the kitchen. The air fryer method ensures that the Brussels sprouts are perfectly crisp on the outside while remaining tender on the inside, making them a hit for any occasion.
Ingredients
To make these delightful Brussels sprouts, you will need a few key ingredients. Gather 1 pound of fresh Brussels sprouts, 3 cloves of garlic (thinly sliced for an optional but delicious addition), ¼ teaspoon of kosher salt, ¼ teaspoon of black pepper, and 2 teaspoons of extra virgin olive oil. For those who like to experiment with flavors, optional toppings include 1 tablespoon of balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar, a drizzle of pomegranate molasses, 2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup, and 3 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese.
Preparation Steps
Begin by prepping your Brussels sprouts. Trim off the ends and remove any brown or damaged outer leaves. Halve the sprouts lengthwise from stem to tip. If any are particularly large, quarter them to ensure they cook evenly. For those who prefer a more tender center, place the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl and cover them with warm tap water. Let them soak for about 10 minutes. This step is optional and can be skipped if you enjoy a firmer texture.
Air Frying Process
Next, preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, following the manufacturer’s instructions (usually around 3 minutes). After the optional soaking, drain the Brussels sprouts and pat them dry with a towel. Wipe out the bowl you used for soaking and return the sprouts to it. If you skipped soaking, simply place them in a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the sprouts with olive oil and season them with kosher salt and black pepper, tossing to ensure they are evenly coated. Transfer them to the air fryer basket.
Air fry the Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes. Slide out the basket, give it a good shake to toss the sprouts, and return it to the fryer. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, then shake the basket again. The sprouts should start to look crispy and nearly done. If they need more time, cook for an additional minute or so. Add the sliced garlic and toss to distribute evenly. Cook for 2 to 4 more minutes, checking frequently and shaking the basket until the sprouts are deeply crispy.
Adding Flavor
Incorporating garlic adds a delightful aromatic touch to the Brussels sprouts. Simply add the thinly sliced garlic cloves during the final minutes of air frying. For those looking to elevate the flavor profile, consider mixing in one of the optional toppings. A tablespoon of balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness, while a drizzle of pomegranate molasses offers a unique, rich flavor. For a hint of sweetness, add 2 teaspoons of pure maple syrup. Finally, 3 tablespoons of freshly grated Parmesan cheese can be sprinkled on top for a savory, cheesy finish.
Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions
- Tips for achieving perfect crispiness: Ensure the Brussels sprouts are thoroughly dried before air frying to promote crispiness. Shaking the basket halfway through cooking helps achieve even browning.
- Variations and substitutions for ingredients: You can substitute olive oil with avocado oil or melted coconut oil. For a different flavor, try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or a squeeze of lemon juice before serving.
- Troubleshooting common issues: If the Brussels sprouts are not crisping up, increase the temperature slightly or cook them for a few extra minutes. Make sure they are not overcrowded in the air fryer basket.
- Answers to common questions about the recipe: Can I use frozen Brussels sprouts? Fresh Brussels sprouts yield the best results, but if using frozen, thaw and dry them thoroughly before air frying.
- Tips for storage and reheating: Store leftover Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in the air fryer at 350 degrees Fahrenheit for a few minutes until warmed through.
- Adjustments for dietary preferences and restrictions: This recipe is naturally gluten-free and can be made vegan by omitting the Parmesan cheese or using a dairy-free alternative.
What to Serve With This Recipe
Brussels sprouts pair wonderfully with a variety of main dishes. Serve them alongside roasted chicken, grilled salmon, or a juicy steak for a balanced and satisfying meal. For a vegetarian option, pair them with quinoa or a hearty grain salad. These crispy sprouts also make a great addition to a holiday table, complementing dishes like turkey or ham perfectly. For a complete meal, consider serving them with creamy mashed potatoes or a warm, crusty bread.
Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts, a versatile dish that fits any occasion and adds a delightful crunch to your plate.
Ingredients
FOR THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 3 cloves garlic, thinly sliced (optional but delicious!)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar
- Drizzle of pomegranate molasses
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
Begin by trimming the ends off the Brussels sprouts and removing any brown outer leaves. Halve them lengthwise from stem to tip. For particularly large sprouts, quarter them to ensure uniform size and even cooking.
OPTIONAL—To achieve a more tender center, cover the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl with warm tap water and let them soak for 10 minutes. If you prefer a firm texture inside and a crispy exterior, this step can be skipped.
Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, following the manufacturer’s instructions (typically about 3 minutes).
After soaking, drain the Brussels sprouts and gently pat them dry with a towel. Wipe out the bowl used for soaking and return the Brussels sprouts to it. If you skipped soaking, place them directly into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the sprouts with olive oil and season with kosher salt and black pepper, tossing to ensure they are evenly coated. Transfer them to the air fryer basket.
Air fry the Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes. Slide out the basket, give it a good shake to toss the sprouts, and return it to the fryer. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, then shake the basket again. The sprouts should start to look crispy and nearly done. If they need more time, cook for an additional minute or so. Add the sliced garlic and toss to distribute evenly. Cook for 2 to 4 more minutes, checking frequently and shaking the basket until the sprouts are deeply crispy.
For additional flavor, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and mix in any desired toppings. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts Recipe
Ingredients
FOR THE BRUSSELS SPROUTS:
- 1 pound Brussels sprouts
- 3 cloves garlic thinly sliced (optional but delicious!)
- ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
OPTIONAL TOPPINGS:
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze or reduced balsamic vinegar
- Drizzle of pomegranate molasses
- 2 teaspoons pure maple syrup
- 3 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Begin by trimming the ends off the Brussels sprouts and removing any brown outer leaves. Halve them lengthwise from stem to tip. For particularly large sprouts, quarter them to ensure uniform size and even cooking.
- OPTIONAL—To achieve a more tender center, cover the Brussels sprouts in a large bowl with warm tap water and let them soak for 10 minutes. If you prefer a firm texture inside and a crispy exterior, this step can be skipped.
- Preheat your air fryer to 375 degrees Fahrenheit, following the manufacturer’s instructions (typically about 3 minutes).
- After soaking, drain the Brussels sprouts and gently pat them dry with a towel. Wipe out the bowl used for soaking and return the Brussels sprouts to it. If you skipped soaking, place them directly into a large mixing bowl. Drizzle the sprouts with olive oil and season with kosher salt and black pepper, tossing to ensure they are evenly coated. Transfer them to the air fryer basket.
- Air fry the Brussels sprouts for 5 minutes. Slide out the basket, give it a good shake to toss the sprouts, and return it to the fryer. Continue cooking for another 5 minutes, then shake the basket again. The sprouts should start to look crispy and nearly done. If they need more time, cook for an additional minute or so. Add the sliced garlic and toss to distribute evenly. Cook for 2 to 4 more minutes, checking frequently and shaking the basket until the sprouts are deeply crispy.
- For additional flavor, transfer the Brussels sprouts to a serving bowl and mix in any desired toppings. Serve immediately while hot and enjoy!
Notes
- TO STORE: Keep Brussels sprouts in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- TO REHEAT: Warm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.
- TO FREEZE: Freezing Brussels sprouts can make them mushy when thawed, so it’s not recommended. However, if necessary, store them in an airtight, freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.